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1) Myth -Hindu’s Worship many GodsFact - It is a misconception amongst non-Hindus that Hindus worship millions of Gods. The truth is that according to Hinduism nothing but that one and only one ‘God’ (called Brahm by Hindus) exists. There can be millions and billions of manifestations of that God and during ‘His’ cosmic dance that ‘one self’ observes ‘His’ infinite manifestations. In simple words Hindus consider everything ‘living’ and ‘non-living’ as manifestation of ‘God’ and are therefore free to worship ‘God’ in any form. A Hindu can thus worship God in any of ‘His’ infinite manifestations (Sakara Brahm) or can worship a formless God (Nirakar Brahm).

2) Myth – All Hindus are vegetarianFact -Hindus teach vegetarianism as a way to live with a minimum of hurt to other beings. But in today's world not all Hindus are vegetarians. The rationale behind a vegetarian diet is to promote a physically, mentally and spiritually healthy lifestyle. However, there are no rigid rules concerning vegetarianism.Vegetarians are more numerous in the South of India than in the North. This is because of the North's cooler climactic conditions and past Islamic influence. Priests and religious leaders are definitely vegetarian, so as to maintain a high level of purity and spiritual consciousness to fulfill their responsibilities, and to awaken the refined areas of their nature

3) Myth – Hindus are Idol WorshippersFact -Hindus do not worship a stone or metal "idol" as God. We worship God through the image. We invoke the presence of God from the higher, unseen worlds, into the image so that we can commune with Him and receive His blessings.The stone or metal deity images in Hindu temples and shrines are not mere symbols of the Gods. They are the form through which their love, power and blessings flood forth into this world.We may liken this mystery to our ability to communicate with others through the telephone. We do not talk to the telephone; rather we use it as a means of communication with another person. Without the telephone, we could not converse across long distances; and without the sanctified icon in the temple, we cannot easily commune with the Deity. Divinity can also be invoked and felt in a sacred fire, or in a tree, or in the enlightened person of a satguru. In our temples, God is invoked in the sanctum by highly trained priests. Through the practice of yoga, or meditation, we invoke God inside ourself. Yoga means to yoke oneself to God within. The image or icon of worship is a focus for our prayers and devotions.

4) Myth –Hindus Practice Caste SystemFact -The present day caste system is one of the evils that had crept into Hindu society. It is more of a social problem then a religious. Caste system has no place in Hindu philosophy because as mentioned before this philosophy believes that nothing but that Brahm (God) exists. Everything including human being is manifestation of Brahm (God). And God can never have a lower or higher caste.But since caste system is a reality of Indian society let us just examine how it came into existence:Rig Veda recognizes that every human being has different capability. Some people are better in academics, other are good warriors, some are better in commerce and economics and still others are good craftsmen or manual workers. Any modern day scientist will testify that every individual has a different genetic makeup. This does not prevent a person born to athletic parents from becoming a doctor or a scientist. So according to Rig Veda people should recognize their capabilities and chose a profession according to that. An academician (Brahmin) is in no way superior to an artesian or manual laborer (Sudra). They are just different in their working capability. Caste was meant to be a guideline for people to choose their profession and was not meant to be a stigma attached to a person due to his birth. The present day caste system came into practice much later.Just two examples should be sufficient to show that caste was not an evil stigma in ancient Hindu society as it is today in modern India –1) Lord Krishna who is considered an incarnation of God by Hindus, was born in Yadu Vansha (considered a ‘backward caste’ now days). During his life Krishna was revered by all including so called ‘superior Brahmins and Kshatriyas’. He is worshipped in modern day India by all the castes.2) Ramayana considered to be amongst the holiest of all holy books in Hindu religion was written by – Sage Valmiki. Valmiki was born in what is now day known as schedule caste family (lower caste). Ramayana occupies a place of prime importance in every Hindu family and all Hindus revere Sage Valmiki.Needless to say that modern day leaders of Independent India have increased the divisions in Hindu society for their own political gains.

5) Myth – To become a Hindu, you have to be born as a Hindu.Fact -Hinduism is a way of life, there is no formal conversion process. Anyone can become a Hindu, because to be a Hindu one has to just follow the Hindu way of life.

6) Myth – Hindu Women are suppressedFact -The role of women in Hinduism is often misunderstood. In Vedic times women and men were equal as far as education and religion was concerned. In ancient India, women occupied a very important position, in fact in some ways, a superior position to men. It is a culture whose only words for strength and power are feminine -”Shakti” means “power” and “strength.” All male power comes from the feminine.

7) Myth –Hinduism has lot many Rituals and superstitionFact -Hinduism runs on value education and some rituals. These rituals are added from time to time and changeable. But these rituals convey a lot of meaning when deeply thought and understood. They are not compulsory for Hinduism; some follow, some don’t.

Lastly to summarize, How Hinduism differs from other religions• It is not based upon one particular founder.• It is not based upon one particular book.• It is not controlled by a central institution or authority such as a church or an association.• It is not averse to examine and assimilate fundamentally diverse thoughts and beliefs into its system.• It accepts other religions as various paths to salvation and does not favor organized attempts to convert people.• It has been evolving continuously, through internal reforms and as a reaction to the threats and challenges.• Hinduism is a way of life, more than a religion• An attitude of understanding and tolerance is taught within the religion, where all religious teachings are not to be looked down upon and that no one way of worship should be considered better than another.

The last journey of a Hindu is known as the ‘Antyesti’ or Hindu Funeral rite, also known as ‘Antim Sansakar’. Antyeṣṭi rites are the final sacraments (saṃskāras) in a series that ideally begins at the moment of conception and is performed at each important stage of a man’s life. Upon death Hindu’s are not buried they are cremated as per the procedure detailed in scriptures.

The reason why Hindu’s cremate is based on the belief that Jiva’ or body is made up of five elements of nature, which needs to be returned to the source upon its death. Of them water, earth and fire belong to the body and come from this world, whereas the fifth element is the ether (fine matter) belongs to the domain of the subtle body and comes from the higher worlds. By cremating the body, the elements are rightfully returned to their respective spheres, while the subtle body along with the soul returns to the world beyond for the continuation of its afterlife. Hindus also belief that when the soul departs from the world there are some pollutants which remains in the body. Irrespective he is far or near all the family members are polluted by the very process of death and remain for sometime till the soul completes its journey to the other world and till the family members are purified through rituals.Hindu's also believe the house where the corpse is kept and others who visit the house also get polluted and they also needs to be purified with bath and Ganga Jal (water of river ganges).Members of the deceased do not celebrate functions ad festivals as mark of respect.

Cremation is however not the whole method of the disposal of the body,Childern below certain age are buried upon death. The body of the renouncer (sanyasi) is usually placed in the river, since its is customary for a sanyasi to undergo the symbolic act of cremation before taking up the life of renunciation. So a second cremation is not prescribed.

India is the home and abode of religions. It occupies the proud first place in religious devotion and godliness. It is famous for its Yogis and saints. The word Dharma comes from India, from Hindu philosophy. Hinduism describes Dharma as the natural universal laws whose observance enables humans to be contented and happy, and to save himself from degradation and suffering. Dharma is the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life. The purpose of Dharma is not only to attain a union of the soul with the supreme reality, it also suggests a code of conduct that is intended to secure both worldly joys and supreme happiness. Regulation of daily life is supreme Dharma. It is the basis of Tapas or austerity. It leads to wealth, beauty, longevity and continuity of lineage. Evil conduct and immorality will lead to ill-fame, sorrow, disease and premature death. Dharma has its root in morality the controller of Dharma is God Himself.

In order to achieve good karma it is important to live life according to dharma, what is right. Mathematically we can say Good Dharma =Good Karma. For explanation on Karma please read my earlier post (The Law Of Karma –A Unique Contribution of India to the Worldhttp://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/11/law-of-karma-unique-contribution-of.html) Through the practice of Dharma alone can you ever hope to achieve the crowning glory of all human endeavours, viz., Moksha (liberation) which is the best and the highest of all desirable things. For Hindus, correct performance of dharma has a favourable effect on their karma (fate), thus coming closer to the final goal of liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

Dharma can be classified under two heads:Samanya or the general, universal DharmaVisesha or the specific, personal Dharma.1.Contentment, 2.forgiveness, 3.self-restraint, 4.non-stealing, 5.purity, 6.control of senses, 7.discrimination between right and wrong, as also between the real and the unreal, 8. spiritual knowledge, 9.truthfulness and 10.absence of anger come under the general or universal Dharma.The rules of the castes and orders of life are specific Dharmas. These are the tenfold characteristics of Dharma according to Manu (In Hindu traditions, Manu is a title accorded to the progenitor of mankind.)Dharma assumes various kinds: Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Law), Samanya Dharma (general duty), Visesha Dharma (special duty), Varnashrama Dharma (duties of caste and Order), Svadharma (one’s own duty), Yuga Dharma (duty of the age or period in history), Kula Dharma ((duty of family), Manava Dharma (duty of man), Purusha Dharma (duty of male), Stri Dharma (duty of female), Raja Dharma (duty of king), Praja Dharma (duty of subjects), Pravritti Dharma (duty in worldly life) and Nivritti Dharma (duty in spiritual life).

If,you have read Mahabharata, the Pandavas represent Dharma in life and the Kauravas represent Adharma.The four Asharams of life also have prescribed Dharma in all stages,details please read my earlier post The Four Ashrams Of Life –A Rational and a Scientific Approach of Life(http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/09/fours-ashrams-of-life-rational-and.html)

Other religions, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam all lay stress on the concept of Dharma in their own ways. Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Kant, Swedenborg and Spinoza are all striking examples in the interesting history of Western philosophy for the high pedestal on which they have placed morality, duty and righteousness, and adored them all as the only means to the attainment of the goal of life.

India is a society where the male is greatly revere. Women in Indian society are considered to be kitchen bee who is suppose to cook food do household chores. On the other hand the same Indian society women are believed to be the incarnation of Shakti.Historicial evidences illustrate that women power ruled the society and they even destroyed mighty rulers and powerful kingdoms.In Hindi language daughter is known as 'Beti' and daughter-in-law is known as 'Bahu'. Here in this post I would like show my gratitude to the most influential Bahu’s and Betis which hold offices in the domain of politics or government, others wield it the boardroom.

Sonia Gandhi (Bahu) – An influential lady of the Indian politics, named the third most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine in the year 2004 and was ranked 6th in 2007. She was also named among the Time 100 most influential people in the world for the years 2007 and 2008.She is the daughter in law of former prime minister Indra Gandhi and widow of former Prime Minister, of India Rajiv Gandhi.She was born in small a village of Italy. Sonia Gandhi was not, however, fond of the public life politics brought with it. Sonia Gandhi had a close relationship with her mother- in –law and she was a kind of personal assistant to the prime minister and traveled with her as she conducted the country's business. After the death of Rajiv’s brother Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv became the political successor of his mother Indra Gandhi.Sonia Gandhi wholeheartedly adopted her husband's homeland. She learned to speak some Hindi and cook Indian food, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1983. Once her husband entered politics, Sonia Gandhi began wearing traditional saris and stepped up her role as a traditional Indian wife. In 1991 her husband was killed by suicide bomber in an election campaign Sonia always hated politics and never wanted her husband to enter politics. Within days of her husband's death, Sonia Gandhi was asked to take his place as leader of the Congress Party. She refused. But year later in 1997 Sonia announced her intentions of campaigning for Congress party and in a very short time she became the political star of the country. Opposition leaders continued to chide Sonia Gandhi for her foreign - born status. Sonia Gandhi was such an anomaly that people flocked to see the Italian woman wearing an Indian sari who spoke Hindi with a foreign accent. In 2004, Hundreds of millions of voters had chosen her, however, despite her birth status. She refused to Prime minster post in spite of congress victory. Though she turned down the post of prime minister, Sonia Gandhi remained president of the Congress Party. An Italian born Bahu (Daughter-in-law) of Indra Gandhi has definitely made a mark in Indian politics.

Ekta Kapoor (Beti) –Daughter Of famous actor Jeetandra and Shobha Kapoor is well know personality in Indian teleivison.Ekta is the creative director of Balaji telefilms.Her first TV show Hum Paanch was a hit on television but the turning point in her career was a TV show ‘Kyunki Saas Bhee Khabee Bahu thi ‘ and from then there has been no looking back in her career.She is also known as the Queen of Television industry. She has undoubtedly influenced the Indian television industry.

Indra Gandhi (Beti )- India ‘s first and to date only female prime minster ,daughter of Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru. The dynamic personality of Indra Gandhi has left imprints on the minds of every Indian. It was the Indra era in India when India saw 1971 War with Pakistan,nuclear weapon program was started,Green revolution and emergency was imposed in India in her era.Indra Gandhi completed her education in University of Oxford and in this stay at Europe and UK Indra met a young parsi man Feroz Gandhi.After returning to India Feroz and Indra got married.In 1942 Indra Gandhi played an active role in Quit India movement.In 1965 she was appointed as the fifth Prime Minster of India.It was in 1977 when Indra Gandhi lost the election but again in 1980 she led congress to victory and once again became the prime minster of India.She continued to hold this position till her assassination in 1984.This daughter of India will be remembered till centuries.

Sania Miraz (Beti)- This young, gorgeous, beautiful daughter of India has brought India pride in field of sports. This young tennis player born in 1986,and was awarded Padma Shri in 2006,India fourth highest honor, for her achievements in Tennis.Sania is the daughter of sports journalist Imran Mirza and mother Nasima. She has been brought up in religious Muslim Family.She made her debut in 2003 in India Fed Cup Team and from then there has been no looking back in her Tennis career.

Priyanka Vadra(Beti) – The graceful Priyanka is the daughter of Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.She is the grand-daughter of Nehru- Gandhi family. Her ambiguous role in politics has been remarkable. She has been campaigning for Congress party but have been saying that she has little interest in politics. She is good organizer and is the chief political advisor of her mother Sonia Gandhi, who is the Congress President.Priyanka is married to Robert Vadra whom she met at Ottavio Quattrocchi's house.Priyanka and Robert Vadra are blessed with two children.Priyanka’s appearance in political campaigns has brought a new era for Congress Party in India.She pulls the crowd with grace and with her highly organized attitude.People of India love this beti of India very much.

Ashiwarya Rai (Beti) – Born in 1973,this beauty of India has brought fame and glory to India in the area of Beauty and brain.She won the Miss World tittle in 1994,later she moved to acting career.And her acting career has also reached to heights of glory in India as well as abroad. Ashiwarya has been a very popular famous face of Indian cinema globally.She is married to Abhishekh Bachchan the son of Superstar Amitabh Bachachan.She is balancing her family and career so well that in coming year she would become one of the most influential Bahu.

Sushimta Sen (Beti) – Sushmita the first Indian woman to be crowned Miss Universe in 1994.Born in Hindu Bengali family,she is the daughter of Shubeer Sen former Indian Air Force Wing Commander and mother Subhra Sen.After winning the beauty crown of Miss Universe,Sushimta made her appearance in Bollywoood thorugh film Dastak.Apart from film and fashion industry Sushmita has been a Indian Ambassador in the world.She has devoted herself to many social causes.

The list of Influentail Bahu's and Betis of India is not so small,would write about some more my coming posts.

Till now I have been writing lot about Indian women attire. In India not only women but also men have different attires. Although, now a days mostly men wear western outfits ie.trouser or jeans and shirt. But these are not a part of Indian culture. The Indian men's traditional attire consists of the kurta and pajama, dhoti, lungi and other dresses. Worn on both formal and informal occasions, kurta and pajama are quite popular dress of Indian men. A sherwani is generally wear for special occasions. Usually the lungi is worn in many parts of India like south india, but depending on the social practices of the region it may be restricted to indoor-wear.

Kurta Pajama -Kurta is a loose collarless shirt worn by both men and women. Generally, it’s worn with pajamas, a shalwar, or churidars. This ensemble also includes a bandi (short jacket or waistcoat) and a dupatta.

Lungi –The custom of wearing lungis varies by state. Lungi is generally woven from cotton and is available in many designs, patterns and colors. ,the most commonly worn are those with checks or the ones in a single dark hue. In southern state Kerala Lungi is worn as a casual dress. Lungi in plain white hue is called a Mundu. For ceremonial occasions like weddings, Mundus often bear golden embroidery, known as kasavu.In Karnataka colored lungi is called mundas whereas plain white cloth smilar to lungi is called a panche generally used for formal ceremonies.In the state of Tamil Naidu lungi’s are worn in similar way as Kerala and they are called Kaili or Saaram.In the eastern state of West Bengal and Bhiar Lungi are primiraily home wear of men of all classes of the society.In northern state of Punjab lungis are worn both by men and women.Not only India,lungis are worn in Bangladesh,Sri Lanka,Myanmar,Indonesia,Malaysia,Singapore,the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Pensuila. Mostly lungis are popular in heat and humidity prone areas.

Dhoti- Dhotis are traditional Indian wear that is quite popular among rural men. Dhotis flaunt one’s eminent status and love for Indian culture. Great men like Mahatma Gandhi used to wear dhoti. Even today Indian men wear dhoti as ethnic attire It is a rectangular piece of unstitched cloth, usually around 7 yards long, wrapped around the waist and the legs, and knotted at the waist. The Dhotī or Doti in Hindi, called Dhotiyu in Gujarati, Suriya in Assamese, Vaytti or Veshti in Tamil, Dhuti in Bangla, Dhoti or Kachche Panche in Kannada, Dhotar, Angostar, Aad-neschey or Pudve in Konkani, mundu in Malayalam, Dhotar in Marathi, Laacha in Punjabi and Pancha in Telugu.Dhoti is generally worn with Kurta's.

Sherwani -The word Sherwani immediately crops up the picture of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as it used to be his favorite attire. Sherwani is a long coat resembling achkan in styling. It is buttoned upto the collar and lengthwise it is usually below the knee. It is supposed to be worn over a kurta and a churidar, or khara pajama or a salwar and at times, even a dhoti. A part of men's clothing in India, the traditional Sherwani happens to be an ultimate wedding and party attire. The origin of sherwani can be traced back in Central Asia during the times when it was the dress code of the Turkish and Persian nobles in the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire. In the late eighteenth century, almost every man wore sherwani, as this attire did not restrict itself only to the nobles, but became the traditional dress of common man. Sherwani is the national dress of men in Pakistan.

Achkan –The Achkan is a full sleeved tunic with a high round neck ,length which falls 3-5 cms above the knee.It has a full front opening in the center and is fastened with buttons and button holes.It is on the smilar pattern of Sherwani.The Sherwani differs from Achkan in length and flares.

Angarakha : It is worn in the upper part of the body. It comes in different colors and also in different cuts. Two main types are long angarakha reaching below knees and the other is frock style and is waist length.This Rajasthani costume is also popular in some parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh as well.

The law of cause and effect forms an integral part of Hindu philosophy. This law is termed as 'karma', which means to 'act. As in my earlier post on Hinduism I have been writing that all concepts, philosophies, festivals of Hindu religion are based on my scientific and social theory, the same is the Law of Karma.

The theory of karma harps on the Newtonian principle that every action produces an equal and opposite reaction. Every time we think or do something, we create a cause, which in time will bear its corresponding effects. This cause and effect generates the concept of samsara (or the world) and birth and reincarnation. Karma doest not only mean physical action. Mental actions also constitute Karma. Karma could bring fruition immediately or at a later stage. "Good karma" and "bad karma," which are stored reactions that gradually unfolds to determine our unique destiny. The karma incurred by a person through his actions determines the course of his life upon earth and his progression into the higher world. Hindu philosophy, which believes in life after death, holds the doctrine that if the karma of an individual is good enough, the next birth will be rewarding, and if not, the person may actually devolve and degenerate into a lower life form.

Things do not happen in this universe by accident or chance in a disorderly manner. They happen in regular succession. They follow one another in a regular order. There is a certain definite connection between what is being done now by you, and what will happen in the future. Past – Present – Future all are connected. Everything in this universe is connected. Even if we do something unimportant, it important that it gets done as everything is connected. Each step leads to a next step so neither the first step or the last steps are of greater significance. As both the steps were needed to accomplish the task.

There are three kinds of Karma’s.Prarabdha (so much of past actions as has given rise to the present birth), Sanchita (the balance of past actions that will give rise to future births - the storehouse of accumulated actions), Agami or Kriyamana (acts being done in the present life).

The doctrine of Karma is not only associated Hinduism.Jainsim, Buddhisim, Sikkhism all these great religions revolve around the Law of Karma.In Christianity its said ‘What you sow,you reap this also the cause and effect, thus Law of Karma.For good karma it is necessary to stabilize our minds and thoughts. This can be done by practicing Yoga. Also good Karma can be achieved by following Dharma.

Mark Twain said ‘India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.

• India is the largest democracy in the world.• Although modern images & descriptions of India often show poverty, India was one of the richest countries till the time of British in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India's wealth and was looking for route to India when he discovered America by mistake.• Every major world religion is represented in India. Additionally, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all originated in India.• India never invaded any country in her last 100000 years of history.• The world's first University was established in Takshashila in about 700 B.C. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century C.E. was one of the great achievements of ancient India in the field of education.• According to the Geological Institute of America, up until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds to the world. Kohinoor, the jewel in the crown of the British monarch, is from India.• The concept of the number zero was created in India by the sage Aryabhatta. The place value system and the decimal system were also developed in India in about 100 B.C. Algebra, trigonometry and calculus originated from India.• The Vishnu Temple in the city of Tirupathi built in the 10th century, is the world's largest religious pilgrimage destination. Larger than either Rome or Mecca, an average of 30,000 visitors donate $6 million (US) to the temple everyday.• Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. Charaka, the father of medicine, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.• India is one of the largest exporters of computer software products. It exports soft wares to over 90 countries.• Christians and Jews have been living in India since 52 A.D. and 200 B.C. respectively.• Varanasi, also known as Benaras, was called "the Ancient City" when Lord Buddha visited it in 500 B.C., and is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world today.• The art of Navigation was developed along the river Sindhu over 6000 years ago. In fact, the word Navigation comes from the Sanskrit word Navgatih• The largest employer in the world is the Indian Railways, employing over a million people.• Yoga has its origins in India and has existed for over 5,000 years.• Chess was invented in India. The game of snakes & ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. When many cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindh Valley, known as the Indus Valley Civilization. • India is the largest English speaking country in the world.• Sushruta is regarded as the father of surgery. Over 2600 years ago Sushrata & his team conducted complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, cesareans, fractures, urinary stones and also plastic surgery and brain surgeries. Anesthesia was used in Indian medicine long before it was adopted into modern medicine.

In this post, I would be writing about some gossips popular in India from decades. We all know gossip is the idle talk or a rumor, so please no offence. These are the gossips which everyone in India wants to read and talk.

1) Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and Lady Edwina Mountbatten-A lot have been talked about the close friendship between Lady Mountbatten and Nehru. Both of them had a tender and an emotional attachment. Mountbatten’s daughter Pamela also wrote about Nehru’s relationship with her mother in her memoir “India Remembered”. Richard Hough’s biography “Mountbatten: Hero of Our Times” also talks about this affair.

2 )Lady Diana –Priness of Wales always dreamt of marriage that would be happy lasting marriage.But unfortunately her dreams were shattered when her husband Charles returned to his long time mistress Camilla. Her loneliness made her attracted towards her body guard Barry Mannakee.But this attraction did not last long , he got fired from Charless and later died in motorbike accident.Then came James Hewitt,riding instructor in her life.But that relationship also ended in a disappointment when he published about their affair in the book ‘Prinecss in Love’.Then another rumor of Lady Diana’s liking for the heart surgeon Hasnat Khan,but this was also short lived.After sometime her affair started with Dodo Al Fayed.Both of them showed their love in public and gave a great sensation to press.Unfortunately,this love affair ended in a tragedy on the roads of Paris.

3 )Amitabh Bacchaan and Rekha -The sizzling affair between 'Superstar of the Millennium' Amitabh Bachchan and the Bollywood's eternal temptress Rekha remains unparalleled. The offscreen chemistry between the two was very evident on screen. Their love story began on the sets of 'Do Anjaane' - the second film that they did together. The pair provided hit after hit together - 'Khoon Pasina', 'Ganga Ki Saugandh', 'Suhaag','Muqaddar Ka Sikandar', 'Ram Balram' and 'Mr. Natwarlal'amongst others. The on-screen chemistry generated in the many films they made together, led many to suspect that there was a real life romance happening.Both the super stars have never spoken about their intimate friendship ever in public.

4 ) Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky –President of America, Bill Clinton and his intimate relationship with with young and beautiful Monica Lewinsky has been the talk of the town always. Clinton's impeachment was acquitted after a lengthy senate trial. The sexual scandal excited the world's media and made Monica Lewinski into a minor celebrity that was famous for being famous. Clinton was found to have lied about his sexual relations with Lewinski. Bill Clinton was charged with perjury or lying under oath about his sexual relations with the 22 year old White House intern, Monica Lewinsky to gain advantage in a sexual harassment case brought by Paula Jones, a case he later settled by paying Paula Jones $850,000. A Federal judge found Bill Clinton also to be in contempt of court for lying in a deposition and ordered him to pay a $90,000 fine. This contempt citation led to disbarment proceedings similar to Richard Nixon's. To avoid these proceedings, Clinton surrendered his law license. Later Clinton’s wife forgave his husband and he remained a married couple.

5 ) Ashiwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan- Abhishek the son of the superstar Amitabh Bachchan is married to former Miss World Ashiwarya Rai.This couple is the most talked about couple not only in India but internationally.Before marriage Ashiwarya ‘s relations with bollywood actors Salman Khan,Vivek Oberio were the discussed. Their wedding was a private affair intended for the Bachchan and Rai family and friends, the involvement of the media made it a national extravaganza. Abhishek is 2 years younger than his wife. After marriage their has been number of rumors about Ashiwarys on the way to motherhood. Bachchans’ have being denying these rumors.This fact remains unchanged that when there is news in the media about this young couple, readers just love to read it.

6) Ambani Brothers- The two sons of Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani and the suuccessors of the Reliance empire. The fact that differences continued to simmer was evident by the approach of the two brothers after mid-2003, when Anil was reported to have admitted to the presence of 'constructive tensions' between the two. There furious battle for the Reliance empire was the part of top stories in media. Everyone wanted to know how this battle would settle between brothers. The Reliance empire was divided between both the brothers but their confrontation on various issue erupt from time to time. Media adds some spices to the story and gives it to the public.

7 ) Rajkapoor and Nargis – The superstars and the romantic pair of Bollywood has still imprints on the mind of their fans. Nargis was romantically linked with Raj Kapoor whom she was casted in most of her films. Off-screen, her affair with the already married Raj Kapoor was a matching of soul and spirit. Nargis was finest artistic asset he had under his RK Films banner. This became clear after the two broke up around 1957. Nargis went on to make Mother India that year, considered by many to be the zenith of her career. In contrast, not a single film of note came out of RK Studios after Nargis left. Later in 1960’s RK Flims offered Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai which was a complete shift of Raj Kapoor’s cinema approach.

Undoubtedly, bangles complement the dress of women. Wearing bangles or chudiyan is like adding one more feather to your cap. The best part about bangles is that it can be worn with any kind of dress. In India the tradition of wearing Bangles is very old and red glass bangles signify matrimony. Solha Shringar or sixteen adornments of an Indian bride is incomplete without decorating her wrist with bangles. Ornaments on the arms and wrists were worn in India from the days of the Indus Valley Civilization (2300-1000 B.C.) as is evident from the bronze figurine found in Mohenjodaro. Bangles cover the entire arm of this figurine. The Yakshini idol of the Sunga dynasty (321-72 BC) too wears bangles with intricate designs on it. In Sanchi, the female figures display bangles, as do the cave paintings in the Ajanta and Ellora.

As per the belief of Indian, it is must for married women to wear bangles. It symbolizes the well being of her husband. Some women in India are so superstitious, that even when changing bangles, they never allow their arm to be completely bare. A simple string or even the end of her sari is wrapped around the arm, until the new set is worn.

India being a land of diversities and this can be seen in the style on wearing bangles. In the eastern state of west Bengal, married women a pair of white color Shakha (shell) and Paula (red coral) bangles. In the northern India, especially Punjab married women wear set of ivory bangles called Chooda on each hand for 21 days, or a year after marriage, depending on family tradition. In Rajasthan woman wears ivory bangles from her wrist to her upper arm as jewelry of gold for the rest of her life or till her husband is alive. Although this tradition is now no more alive in Rajasthan, can be seen only in rural parts. In Western state of Maharashtra green color glass bangles are sign of married status of women. Green is considered auspicious color for a married woman in Maharashtra.Red color glass bangles are a symbol of well being and marital status in other parts of the country. Now that women are becoming more fashion conscious they wear matching bangles with their attire.The tradition of wearing bangles is prevalent in many other parts of South Asia and also Pakistan, Nepal. Not only Bollywood celebrities ,International Celebrities like Jeniffer Lopez, Late Princess Diana, Goldie Hawn, Sally Field, Hillary Clinton,Chelsey Clinton, Elizabeth Hurley, Anna Kournikova, Madonna, Sharon Stone, Jemima Khan have adorned this graceful Indian bangle jewelry at high profile social, music, Hollywood and fashion events.

Apart from expensive Gold and silver and traditional glass bangles, now women can be seen wearing wooden, metal, lac and other fashion bangles. Glass bangles are mainly produced in Firozabad in North India. Hyderabad has a historic market for bangles named the Laad Bazaar.

The Queen Victoria Market is an historic Melbourne landmark and a Melbourne institution dating back to more than 130 years ago and is said to be the largest open air market in southern hemisphere. This market is spread in 7 hectares. Officially opened in March 1878 as the Queen Victoria Market, it had operated even before that time as a motley market of goods and produce. It is one of the major Melbourne’s tourist destinations. Queen Victoria market turns in into Modern Arabic Night Bazaar which offers a more relaxed and a leisurely family day on Sunday’s.

The Market is probably best known for its huge variety of fresh produce. Almost 50% of the Market area is dedicated to the sale of fresh produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, chicken, seafood and delicatessen products. Almost one thousand traders sell everything from exotic Australian fruit and vegetables and local and imported gourmet foods, meat, fish and poultry to hardware, Manchester, clothing and authentic Australian artifacts and souvenirs. From farm fresh to clothes, shoes, electronics, toys, jewelry, kitchen, pets care every thing one can find in Victoria Market and at very reasonable prices.

Aside from the variety of wares offered at the Queen Victoria Market, buskers and street entertainment is a market feature, particularly on Sundays when Queen St is closed and becomes a place of cafes, carnival rides and other activities. There is also a food court caters to every visitors taste. The best feature of Queen Victoria Market is that it’s not lost its tradition and also but has adopted the modern features also. Ah!! On Friday, Saturday and Sunday this market offers are wide variety of wines for wine lovers. You can buy wine in bottles or in bulk,later bring back your bottles for refilling. It's good for the environment and good for your budget. Queen Victoria market offers the widest range of organic produce available in Melbourne.

In 2003, the roofs of the market was equipped with 1,328 solar photovoltaic panels, covering 2000 square meters and generating 252,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, the largest such renewable energy installation in the City of Melbourne. The grid has been considered as the largest urban grid-connected solar photovoltaic installation in the Southern Hemisphere upon completion

It is very much centrally located, and within walking distance from either the Elizabeth St exit of Melbourne Central Railway Station or Flagstaff Station on the corner of Latrobe and William Sts. No visit to Melbourne is complete without visiting Queen Victoria Market. Enjoy some pictures of Queen Victoria Market along with this post.

Readers of this post are recommended to read my earlier post Hartalika Teej under the label Hinduismhttp://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/08/hartalika-teej-festival-of-hindu-women.html

Karwa Chauth falls about nine days before Diwali. It is celebrated on the chaturthi tithi after the full Moon in the month of kartik in the Hindu calendar It is the most important fast observed by Hindu women of North India. The festival of Karva Chauth is symbolic of the unflagging loyalty of a wife towards her husband. As the name signifies, Karva meaning a clay pot and Chauth corresponding to the fourth, this festival is commemorated on the the fourth day after the Full Moon in Kartik month of Hindu calendar.Married women keep a strict fast and do not take even a drop of water and pray for the prosperity and longevity of their husbands life. After having the scrumptious meal called 'sargi' in the pre-dawn time, women observe a one-day fast for Karwa Chauth. They break the fast only after having a glimpse of the moon rise (on their thali that is filled with water or through a sieve) and their husband. Before the moon rise, around 4 -5 pm all married women gather at one place and narrate the Vrat Katha . The important rituals involving the festival include worshipping 'Karwas' spherical clay pots with symbols for married women and sweets. Now a days steel Karwa’s are available in the market. They are later exchanged with other married women As a part of the tradition, a two-inch tall idol of Goddess Gauri is made using cow dung and a picture of the idol is kept aside, because she is the deity worshipped on the day.

As all Hindu festival has some scientific or social cause behind its celebration, Karwa Chauth also has a social cause attached to its celebration. This time of the year is just after the harvest of Kharif (monsoon) crops and people are usually in a festive mood. This is time when people gather and celebrate the harvest and exchange gifts. This festival gives a chance the bride a chance to get close to her ill-laws. Usually, women receive beautiful gifts from their husbands and relatives on this day, as a gesture of their love and care. Karwa Chauth is an occasion that encourages people to gather and socialize with friends and family, exchange gifts and share home-cooked meals.

In my earlier post on Hinduism, I have emphasized that Hinduism is more a way of life than a religion. Every doctrine of ancient India, carved out by the ancient saints, is based on scientific and rational reasoning. However, to put them to use they needed to be socially embedded. Hence methods like, the Ashram system, were included in the Vedic society where the life of an individual was founded on both Karma and Dharma. With such methodology the then contemporary society also aimed at holding the social institutions together. Instead of becoming sages and escaping from worldly duties man was taught to shoulder every social and personal obligation. Apart from these the four stages of life also led to spiritual development.

In the ancient Indian tradition, one planned the years of life in four ashrams or stages, with the style of Yoga practiced in each stage chosen to match the circumstances of that stage. The average life of Indian was considered 100 years. The life span in Vedic India was divided in 4 parts, each of 25 years. These were called Ashrams. The word ashram means shelter implying that the person takes shelter successively in each of the four stages during his life’s journey. These ashrams were named following: • Brahmcharya Ashram (Student)• Grihasth Ashram (Householder)• Vanprastha Ashrama (Hermitage)• Sanyas Ashrama (Renunciate)Brahmcharya Ashram (0 -25 years) - The celibate student time of youth is for learning the foundation of lifestyle. This is the perfect time to inculcate values like self-restraint, knowledge and obedience. In this time one was accepted to have simple living. Till a few decades back, celibacy till marriage was the norm in India. In rural India it still is. However in urban areas the incidence of premarital sex is increasing, largely under the influence of the west.

Grihasth Ashram (Householder) (25 – 50 years) –This was the stage of family life. It begins with marriage and proceeds to raising a family. It involves earning a living through the skills acquired during Brahmacharya ashram. Religious or spiritual practices are done in the context of worldly life and service to others. This is the first stage where he puts his knowledge to use. He has to discharge the duties of a son, brother, husband, father and a member of the community.

Vanaprastha Ashram (50 -75 years) –This Ashrama indicates the departure from material possessions. The person lives with the family, in society, but in a withdrawn manner. Relationships with grown children and community are more in the role of a matured mentor. Celibacy is again advocated.Sanyas Ashrama (75 – 100+ years) - The final stage is Sanyasa or renunciation last till a person dies. He is completely free from the emotional attachments. It is at this age that he becomes an ascetic and completely dedicates his life to serve God.

Ideas like these can never grow old. As a result the Ashram System is still followed in India, consciously or unconsciously. Although they are not strictly implemented but even today an Indian has a life of a student, a family man and then he retires. As old age seeps in, he passes on his responsibilities to his children and moves closer to spiritualism.

The readers of the post are suggested to read my earlier post,the link given below or you can even find this post under the label My Journey of Life.http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/07/if-marriages-are-made-in-heaven-then-is.html

When a couple decides to end their relationship by the word DIVORCE. Children can often be the most effected by divorce, and recent studies have found that children from broken home are more prone to violence and substance abuse than those from a happy, family home. Divorce will not be easy for a parent; but a parent is a grown adult who has (hopefully) mastered coping skills. Children, on the other hand, are not necessarily as prepared as an adult in this regard. What makes a sad situation even sadder is that parents going through a divorce are usually under so much emotional stress they are able to be of little help to their children. When children are deprived of the emotional support from their parents, they often turn their frustrations on themselves and the people around them. All children are affected by divorce in some way. Their world, their security and the stability they have known seem to fall apart when parents divorce. Children can be severely traumatized by divorce, especially if the divorce is a nasty one, and/or if there is a prolonged or an intense custody battle. With every impact I am including an innocent line of the kid whose parents are divorced.

• They feel helpless and powerless to do anything about the situation.Feeling of Sadness"It really hurt. It was hard for me to accept not being able to live in the same house with both parents."

• Sometimes children or teens feel they have to "take care of" one or both of their parents. Giving up one’s childhood to care for emotionally troubled parents is a widespread characteristic in children of divorce.Forced Adulthood…."I hate it when my mom asks me how she looks. I don’t like being put in that situation. I wish my dad were here to do it."

• Children who go through a divorce often are impacted in terms of their self-esteem. They may believe that they themselves caused the divorce, or that they did something wrong that made mommy and/or daddy want to not be with them.Feeling Of Guilt"My dad left because I wanted to ride my bike my way, and I told him to go away. He did and divorced my mom.""If I had watched my baby brother when my mom was cooking dinner, then my mom wouldn’t have left me dad. It’s all my fault."

• They may worry that their parents don’t love them anymore. They feel abandoned. They feel like the parent has divorced them too.Feeling of Loneliness We’re half a family now--lonely.""Holidays will never be any good any more."

• Children might indulge in alcohol/drug abuse and violence.

• It might lead to isolating themselves from their friends and familyFeeling of Isolation"Daddy left. Will Mommy leave me too? What will happen to me?"

• They might show destructive behavior and sometimes may indulge in breaking rules• Children tend to have anger directed toward others and themselvesFeeling of Anger"I hate my sofa. It’s where my parents told me they were getting a divorce. I’ll never sit on it again."

• In future they might have difficulty in establishing an intimate relationship or other interpersonal relationships.

• They might become moody or silent and loose their naughty childhood early.Feeling of Shock"Unable to think, unable to feel, unable to grasp what had happened to their lives. Unable to speak about it."

• Sometimes custody battle leaves life long impact on the immature child’s brain.Feeling of Torn between parents"Dad couldn’t really be as bad as Mom says he is.""I don’t care who I live with. I love you both. Please don’t make me choose--just tell me."

Readers of the post are highly recommended to read my earlier post ‘Bindi A Icon of Indian tradition on the forehead’,this can be found under the label Indian traditions.http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/06/bindia-icon-of-indian-tradition-on.html

Without the worship of Lord Ganesh no work begins in Hindu religion, similarly no religious work begins in Hindu religion without a TILAK on the forehead. Tilak is a mark of auspiciousness. In India, you will find people wearing a red, yellow, orange and, rarely, a black mark on their forehead. It's called the tilak, or tilakam, in the Sanskrit language and is basically a Hindu tradition. Depending on the purpose for which Tilak is applied, the material is chosen for preparing the sacred forehead mark.• Sandal: White sandal symbolizes purity, calmness and tranquility• Kumkum: Red kumkum signifies power, vigor, dynamism and stability• Turmeric: Saffron colored turmeric stands for wealth, fortune, prosperity and opulence• Holy Ashes or Vibhuti: Vibhuti represents dedication, devotion and commitment The devotees of Shiva apply sacred ashes (Bhasma) on the forehead, the devotees of Vishnu apply sandal paste (Chandan), and the worshippers of Devi or Shakti apply Kumkum, a red tumeric powder. The Shaivites(followers of Lord Shiva) typically use ash and draw their tilak as three horizontal lines. Vaishnavas (followers of Lord Vishnu) use clay from a holy river or place, which is sometimes mixed with sandalwood paste for applying Tilak.

The holy scriptures of Hindu advocate the importance to Tilak on a forehead in the below line:‘"A forehead without a Tilak, a woman without a husband, a Mantra the meaning of which is not known while doing Japa (recitation), the head that does not bend before holy personages, a heart without mercy, a house without a well, a village without a temple, a country without a river, a society without a leader, wealth that is not given away in charity, a preceptor without a disciple, a country without justice, a king without an able minister, a woman not obedient to her husband, a well without water, a flower without smell, a soul devoid of holiness, a field without rains, an intellect without clearness, a disciple who does not consider his preceptor as a form of God, a body devoid of health, a custom (Achar) without purity, austerity devoid of fellow-feeling, speech in which truth is not the basis, a country without good people, work without wages, Sannyasa without renunciation, legs that have not performed pilgrimages, determination unaided by Viveka or discrimination, a knife which is blunt, a cow that does not give milk, a spear without a point- all these are worthy of condemnation. They exist for name’s sake only."

Tilak is applied at the Ajna Chakra, the space between the two eyebrows. It has a very cooling effect. Application of sandal paste has great medicinal value, apart from the spiritual influence. Numerous mentions have been made about Tilak in the ancient scriptures such as Vedas and Upanishads. Rig Veda has given an elaborate description about the life of Goddess Usha, the consort of Lord Surya. She is portrayed as wearing a red dot on her forehead that signifies the rising sun.

Tilak applied with the ring-finger or thumb is very beneficial. As per Hindu palmistry it is believed that at the base of the ring-finger is Sun and and at the base of the thumb is Venus. Sun represents firmness, brilliance, honour,respect and faith, while Venus gives life force, health, is the creator of new life, the bestowed of gentility and politeness. And if Tilak is applied on the forehead with these fingers then the blessings of sun or Venus can be achieved.

Readers of this post, I would recommend to read my earlier posting 'An Institution Of Marriage' , 'How Can Communication Help In Building a Strong Relationship' and If Marriages are made in heaven, then is Divorce made in Hell ?.These posts you can find under the label My Journey of life.http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/07/if-marriages-are-made-in-heaven-then-is.html

"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences."

In today’s society we come across couples very often who are not very happy in their married life and sometimes they end up in a divorce. In this post I would like to highlight some of the reasons for the failure in marriage.

• Communication - proper communication is the crux of any good relationship. Only through good communication can we know how and what our partner is feeling. Without open communication between two people we can't possibly know what and to what extent something may be bothering someone.Lack of communication in one of the important reason for an unsuccessful marriage. "Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation."

• The ability to adapt to changes in married life often depends on having realistic expectations about a spouse and the marriage relationship itself. It is common for disillusionment to set in when romantic or other unrealistic expectations are not met. Over time, unmet expectations can generate enough dissatisfaction to make meaningful compromise impossible.

• Many people have a fantasy view of love. Some get married because they feel they have to due to pressure from family or friends. Or they see all of there friends getting married so they feel they should too. So they rush into a marriage prematurely. Others get married because of premarital pregnancy. Couples that are too young and inexperienced who think they are in love will often get married. They may soon realize that they don't truly love this person or they are not mature enough to handle the more difficult relationship problems that may arise in a marriage.

• Couples fail to cope with life’s trials. When painful trials come into the marriage, instead of standing together through them, couples tend to blame each other or think something is wrong with the spouse and the way they handle the pain.

• Work and home schedules are not always compatible. Time spent apart and times spent together are equally important for maintaining a good married relationship. When time is used in a balanced way, it results in opportunities for growth and harmony. A lot of time spent alone without a corresponding period of quality time spent together puts a lot of stress on a marriage.

• In today’s fast world everybody wants to achieve more in less time and effort, which leads to high expectations. Also now the society is becoming more materialistic and in this race for fulfilling materialistic dreams couples end up in conflicts.

I dedicate this post to all my teachers and inspirations that have given me knowledge at some point of life and have made me capable to understand between right and wrong and have enlightened my life.

The day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh (July-August) is traditionally celebrated as Guru Purnima by Hindus. This day is also known as a Vyas Purnima, the day is celebrated in remembrance and veneration to sage Ved Vyas. All Hindus are indebted to this ancient saint who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata. Guru means Teacher. The Sanskrit root "Gu" means darkness or ignorance. "Ru" denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore one who removes darkness of our ignorance is a Guru. Here I would like to recollect some famous verses which all Hindus by heart to glorify the word Guru.

Gurubrahma Guruvishnu Gururdevo Maheshwaraha |Guruhu sakshaat Parambrahman tasmai Shrigurave namaha ||Meaning - The Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva), veneration to the Guru who is Parabrahman manifest." The second line of the couplet does not literally mean that the Guru becomes Parabrahman - God, rather he is venerated as if God is manifesting through him.

Hindus attach paramount importance to spiritual gurus. Guru plays the pivotal role in reminding us the divinely advice, teaches us the art of living a balanced life with restraint and stability of mind. He is the one who brings about awareness that actions (karmas) performed under the influence of senses, give rise to sensuous pleasures and pains, which are transitory and fleeting. He guides you how to discipline and bring under control the five wild horses - 'kaam' (passion), 'krodha' (anger), 'lobh' (greed), 'moh' (emotional attachment) and 'ahankaar' (ego) and helps one to take the chariot of life in the right direction of inner peace and tranquility. A Guru is beyond religions. He does not discriminate on the basis of culture, nationality or gender. He will never ask one to convert from his religion. He will lift the student to comprehend universal spiritual principles that underlie all religions. Whichever spiritual path or religion one follows, they all finally lead to the path of grace of the Guru.

Regardless of the spiritual path, this day is also celebrated to honor all those people, inspirations that have guided our path in this life. Gurupurnima is the day to pay gratitude to you’re a person who has enlightened you on the right path of life.

About Me

Meghana

I am here to explore life.Simple and a God fearing person who wants to spread happiness around.I am an IT consultant by profession,working in SAP.
My friends say that I have a good acumen to present my thoughts.I love to help people with my knowledge and experiences in the field of career guidance,counseling on personal issues,baby care.
Thanks a lots for your valuable time.Your comments add value to my work.